1926.452(w)(6)(i): Level Surface for Moving Mobile Scaffolds With Riders
Before employees ride a mobile scaffold being moved, employers must make sure the surface it is moved on is within 3 degrees of level and free of pits, holes and obstructions.
Key takeaways
- 1926.452(w)(6)(i) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart L).
- OSHA cited it 27 times in the last 3 years, in 27 inspections, with $132,386 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: MD (4), TX (3), SD (2).
- Related part: 1926.452(w) Mobile scaffolds (137 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.452(w)(6)(i) is one requirement inside 1926.452 Additional requirements applicable to specific types of scaffolds, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart L). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(i) The surface on which the scaffold is being moved is within 3 degrees of level, and free of pits, holes, and obstructions; 27 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.452.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.452(w)(6)(i).
At 9:45 a.m. on October 31, 2024, an employee was driving a Genie power mobile scaffold (scissor lift) from the cellar level to the first floor. The employee became caught between the machinery and a wall, sustaining fatal trauma to the chest and abdomen.
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 9 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Top states: MD (4), TX (3), SD (2), AZ (2), CO (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| TARSCO CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION | NEDERLAND, TX | $14,895 |
| CT MASONS LLC | NEW BRITAIN, CT | $11,585 |
| PIEDMONT STEEL, LLC | ELLABELL, GA | $11,292 |
| URX2024XJW184X0049 - GRAYWOLF INTEGRATED CONSTRUCTION COMPANY | GILBERT, AZ | $11,162 |
| HAAS INCORPORATED | NEW YORK, NY | $9,268 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.452(w)(6)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Use of mobile scaffolds with casters in the unlocked position; moving the mobile scaffold without dismounting. (2002-06-24)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.452(w) Mobile scaffolds 137 citations
- 1926.452(w)(2) 60 citations
- 1926.452(w)(6) 44 citations
- 1926.452(w)(1) 10 citations
- 1926.452(w)(5) 6 citations
- 1926.452(w)(6)(ii) 3 citations
- 1926.452(w)(6)(iii) 2 citations
- 1926.452(w)(3) 2 citations
- 1926.452(w)(6)(iv) 1 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
How level must the surface be?
Within 3 degrees of level.
What else must the surface be free of?
Pits, holes and obstructions.
When does this apply?
When the scaffold is being moved, as one of the conditions in 1926.452(w)(6).
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.452 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-19
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.